Bits And Pieces Of Getting Ready For Winter-Not Yet?

Ok, so the tomato plant didn't see the calendar. I have 4 new blossoms on the plant. Feel bad when I plan to compost the plant. It's almost like the plant's saying it's "not ready." I'm aware talking to plants can get you committed in some places, but hey I'm retired now.

For those of you in milder climates, who haven't had snow yet, I received an interesting news release about Epsom salts. Yes, Epsom salts, the thing your grandmother suggested for achey muscles. The Epsom Salt Council, honest there is one, put out suggested uses for epsom salts.  Epsom salts has magnesium in it which helps seeds germinate, so when your flowers and lawn are ready for growing next spring the magnesium will be there ready to use.

• For spring ready beds, as you till and turn over the soil add 1 cup of Epsom salts every 100 feet. Or just mix into the soil before planting.
• Don't ignore your lawn now that the growing season has slowed down. Apply three pounds of Epsom Salt for every 1,250 square feet with a spreader or dilute in water and apply with a sprayer.
• Give your compost pile a boost. Compost can provide a constant source of fertilizer and soil conditioner for your yard. Add a cup of Epsom Salt to your compost pile every 2 weeks.
• For those on the west coast, if you plan on planting some shrubs or evergreens before winter really sets in, add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for every 9 feet. Reapply over the root zone every 2-4 weeks.
• For those of us who container garden,  dilute 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water; feed plants monthly.

One advantage of using epsom salt is the low cost. Also it doesn't burn like using nitrogen based fertilizers. Dissolves and goes right into the soil. Evidently sage doesn't like it though. So for all the herb gardeners, skip the epsom salt on your sage plants. And if you have some Epsom salts left over, put 2 cups in a hot tub. Get in and let your muscles unwind.

All in a gardener's day,

Thanks to Billy Alexander for the generous use of the tomato graphic.